Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty dish that combines creamy avocado with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a light dressing. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients and has a cool, satisfying texture that makes it perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. The avocado adds a rich, buttery note that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, while the greens and maybe some crunchy nuts or seeds give each bite a nice balance.
I love making this salad when I want something simple but still filling. It’s one of those meals that feels special without needing a lot of effort. Plus, I like that it’s easy to switch up depending on what you have on hand—sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or a little bit of fresh herbs to brighten it up, and other times I toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla or served over a bed of mixed greens. It’s great for packing in a lunchbox too because it holds up well and tastes just as good later in the day. Overall, this Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a go-to for when I want something nourishing, tasty, and just a little bit different from the usual salad routine.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked, shredded chicken breast keeps the salad lean and high in protein. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience, or try grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
Avocado: Ripe avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure. If unavailable, mashed hummus could add creaminess, but the flavor will differ.
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes gives color and a sweet burst. Grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes work as alternatives.
Greek Yogurt: This keeps the dressing light and tangy, adding creaminess without extra fat. For dairy-free, try plain unsweetened coconut yogurt.
Lime Juice & Garlic: These fresh flavors brighten the salad. Lemon juice can substitute lime. Adjust garlic amount based on your taste preference.
How Can You Keep Avocado From Browning in the Salad?
Avocado can quickly turn brown when exposed to air, but you can slow this down:
- Use ripe, firm avocados for the best texture and less browning.
- Toss the avocado gently with lime juice before mixing it with other ingredients; the acid helps prevent browning.
- Mix the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
- If preparing ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the salad’s surface, and refrigerate.
These tips help keep your salad bright, fresh, and delicious longer!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use a big one to toss everything easily without spilling.
- Whisk or fork – helps whisk the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping chicken, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the right amounts of lime juice, yogurt, and mustard.
- Serving bowls or wraps – for presenting the salad or packing for lunch.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp or canned tuna for chicken for a different protein boost.
- Add diced cucumber or crunchy bell peppers for extra freshness and texture.
- Mix in chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for crunch.
- Sprinkle with a little feta or cotija cheese for a salty kick.
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and yellow)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. There’s no cooking involved since the chicken is already cooked. Just chop, mix, and toss everything together for a quick, healthy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. This is the tasty base of your salad.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Mix and Season:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together so all the ingredients are coated nicely. Taste and add salt and pepper as you like.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your avocado chicken salad right away. It’s delicious on its own, over fresh greens, or wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla for a quick lunch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping chicken for shrimp or canned tuna to change things up.
- Add diced cucumber or crunchy bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Mix in chopped almonds or walnuts for a nutty bite.
- Sprinkle some feta or cotija cheese for a salty twist.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Salad?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps keep the texture perfect for the salad.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Because of the avocado, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freshen it up with a little extra lime juice before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
To keep it fresh, prepare the chicken and dressing in advance, but add the avocado and tomatoes just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain regular yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just pick an unsweetened version to keep the flavors balanced.